Distracted driving.

New legislation aims to fight the increase of distracted driving on Ontario roads. Drive safely and stay alert.

Distracted driving on our roads.

Distracted driving happens on Ontario's roads every day. Texting and driving is one of the leading causes of collisions on highways and roads in our cities. CAA, through the Heads Up! initiative, aims to bring awareness to this growing issue.

Ontario's ban of the use of handheld devices while driving has been in effect since October 2009. Despite this ban, distracted driving has become more prevalent. In fact, if current trends persist, by 2016 distracted driving may surpass impaired
driving as a factor in fatal crashes on roads.

It’s the law!

In Ontario, it’s illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial or email using cell phones and other handheld communication and entertainment devices. Effective September 1, 2015, drivers who are caught breaking the law face a minimum fine
of $490 and plus 3 demerit points upon conviction.

If you have a G1, G2, M1 or M2 licence, you’re considered a “novice” or new driver, meaning you’re still learning to drive and gaining important driving experience before you get a full driver's licence.

Regulatory amendments made in support of the Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act, 2015 include the prohibition of distracted driving under the graduated licensing system. This will result in a minimum 30-day driver's licence suspension
and a fine for novice drivers caught using their cell phones while driving.

If you’re a teen or a parent of one, visit driveright.caa.ca to access helpful tools and resources on teen driving.

According to a study conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, over one-third of licensed Ontario students in Grades 10 to 12 – an estimated 108,000 adolescent drivers – reported texting while driving at least once in the
past year, while 46% of licensed students in Grade 12 reported this behaviour.

Watch and share the video to spread awareness about distracted driving.

This advice is intended to provide general information only and is not intended to provide legal or professional advice, or to be relied on in any dispute, claim, action, demand or proceeding. CAA South Central Ontario does not accept liability for any damage or injury resulting from reliance on this information.